By Logan Wells, News Director | Logan@kymnradio.net
Tonight is Rice County’s Truth in Taxation hearing. In Minnesota, all government organizations, including cities, school districts, and counties, must hold a Truth in Taxation presentation, which shares in-depth information about the budget and taxes. Since the presentation is a public hearing, members of the public can speak about the issue.
In September, the county Board of Commissioners approved a levy increase of 9.96%. According to the county’s Chief Financial Officer, Paula O’Connell, the increase is fueled by two factors: the new Public Safety Center and a 19% increase in insurance for county property and vehicles.
The new county safety center and jail, which opened at the end of October, was required after the Minnesota Department of Corrections downgraded the old jail. In November, voters could choose in a referendum to pay for the safety center either by sales tax or property taxes, and ultimately selected property taxes.
PREVIOUS STORY: Election Explainer: Rice County Sales Tax Referendum
PREVIOUS STORY (10/17): Ribbon Cutting Held for New Public Safety Center
ON-AIR (10/25): Galen Malecha and Suzy Rook discuss Rice County Sales Tax Referendum
Another significant portion of the budget was three major road construction projects, including the roundabout at Highway 19 and Interstate 35 and reconstruction of County Road 50 and County Road 46.
The Truth in Taxation hearing is set for 6 p.m. tonight at the Government Services Building, 320 Third St. NW, Faribault. You can also watch the meeting online by going to ricecountymn.gov and clicking on “agenda & minutes” under the “Your Government Tab.” From there, select the meeting scheduled for tonight.
The Board of Commissioners is not scheduled to take any votes at tonight’s hearing. The commissioners will take up the vote on the Tax Levy and Budget on Tuesday at 8:30am, also at the Government Services Center in Faribault.
Below, see a summary (on page 2) of the budget changes at the preliminary levy in September.
